Plant-dyed silk fabric
Received by the Japanese government
HAMANASU KOBO" continues to weave the traditional herb-dyed silk fabric "Akita Hachijo”
The Hamanasu Studio is located in Kita-Akita City in the north of Akita Prefecture, near Aomori Prefecture.
Akita Hachijo is a herb-dyed silk fabric that has been handed down since the samurai period (Edo period) (1784- ).
It is said to be a combination of "weaving" techniques handed down from Ishikawa Takiemon of the Mutsu Sendai Domain (Date Domain) and "dyeing" techniques handed down from Tadenuma Jimpei of Kiryu in Kamishu (present-day Gunma Prefecture).
Akita Hachijo creates its main tone color, tobiiro (brownish)as a dye using the roots of the tree of Hamanasu (Japanese rugosa rose), which grows wild on the beaches of Akita Prefecture.The three primary colors are Kuro-hachi(black),Tobi-hachi(brownish), and Ki-hachi(yellow).
Recently, we have also added the color line of Suoh sappanwood,(pink).
The production process at Hamanasu Kobo begins with dyeing authentic Japanese raw silk.
The roots and trunks of the plants, mostly from around Akita Prefecture, are boiled to bring out the colors.
The process of dyeing the threads is time-consuming and involves checking the coloring of the threads, which is a process that requires a great deal of attention.
The dyed yarn is then wound onto a spool, and the warp threads are stretched in preparation for weaving.
This is a nerve-wracking process because it greatly affects the finished product.
Once the warp is stretched, the weaving is done while imagining the colors that will be created by the combination of the warp and weft yarns.
Akita Hachijo is woven so densely that it produces a fine luster and a crisp texture. The more it is used, the softer it becomes and the more lustrous it becomes.
“Akita Hachijo" has been valued as a brand in the kimono market, and even today, when the shift from kimonos to western-style clothes is underway, it is still traded at high prices as a coveted fabric.
In 2010, the fabric was used for the cover of the commemorative photo album of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (the current Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita).
And in 2012, it was used for the cover of the commemorative photo album of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince (the current Emperor) who visited Akita to attend the "23rd National Green Protection Gathering" and "15th National Summit for Agricultural Leaders in Akita".
In 2023, we won the Judges' Special Prize at the Ishikawa Hyakumangoku Cultural Festival 2023 Kimono Contest. (Hyakumangoku is one Million Koku (150kg) of rice which signifies the historically wealthy domain with rice production)
There is a nationwide concern about the lack of successors in the crafts. Akita Hachijo is fortunate to have a new successor and is working on new designs and will continue to grow.
We invite you to visit our workshop or our dealer stores to see and enjoy authentic Akita Hachijo silk fabric.
Online shop is here.
